EPIC Global Solutions is raising awareness of gambling harm with the help of a former college basketball star.
The London-based gambling harm consultancy has enlisted former Arizona State Sun Devil Stevin “Hedake” Smith to educate young athletes about gambling harm and its consequences. EPIC has added Smith to its roster due to his involvement in a point-shaving scandal during ASU’s 1993-94 men’s basketball season. The scandal resulted in Smith being arrested and subsequently sentenced to a year in prison.
Smith became involved in the point-shaving scheme to alleviate illegal gambling debt.
“I’m passionate about wanting to tell my story and get out there to prevent this from happening again,” said Smith on his decision to join EPIC. “I’ve been able to tell my story to players previously and I’m able to have a relationship with all of them in the audience because of the way I deliver my message and coming from one big fraternity in sport.”
During his time as in Tempe, the Texas native was a two-time first-team All-Pac-10 selection. He holds ASU’s career record for three-pointers attempted and made.
Smith’s story is also featured in Bad Sport, a docuseries released by Netflix in 2021.
EPIC commits to young athletes
Earlier this year, the consultancy secured a deal with the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) to provide the Power Five conference with educational resources on gambling harm.
EPIC and the ACC have also teamed up to deliver gambling harm presentations at Student-Athlete Advisory Committee meetings, which include two student-athletes from each member institution and one Student-Athlete Development Administrator.
The ACC is comprised of 18 member institutions as Stanford, California, and SMU join the conference ahead of the 2024-25 academic year.
